More than 1,000 people gathered at U.S. Coast Guard Base Los Angeles – Long Beach in San Pedro today to attend a memorial ceremony honoring Senior Chief Petty Officer Terrell Horne III, a Coast Guardsman who was killed in the line of duty Dec. 2, 2012, while carrying out law enforcement operations near Santa Cruz Island.

Among the rows of dark blue Coast Guard dress uniforms were the blacks, greens and tans of other federal, state and local law enforcement officials, punctuated by the bright red of Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Napolitano spoke on the importance of the missions that Horne carried out during his life.

“The pain of Senior Chief Horne’s loss will be felt far and wide, across this base, the Coast Guard, the Department of Homeland Security, and our larger law enforcement and military family,” said Napolitano. “But in our time of grief, let us also take comfort in knowing that Senior Chief Horne devoted his life serving the most noble of causes: the protection of our nation; the defense of our freedoms and the rescue of those in distress.”

Coast Guard cutters Blacktip and Narwhal, the same type of cutter Horne was stationed aboard when he was killed, lingered nearby in the channel for the duration of the ceremony.

The Commandant spoke on what it means to be a shipmate and the legacy of Horne’s life.

“Senior Chief Horne lived the Coast Guard ethos and was an example to all. We will forever remember him for his selfless leadership and his courage,” the Commandant said. “He made the ultimate sacrifice in service to his shipmates and the nation, just as he served others throughout his 14 year career. Senior Chief Horne’s legacy as a shipmate, leader, and Coast Guardsman is now indelibly stamped in our service history. This nation is more secure because of him.”

Horne, who was the Halibut’s executive petty officer, was killed when the small boat he was aboard was struck by a panga-style vessel suspected of illicit activities.

Sibert said Horne made a profound impact on the crew of the Halibut during his year-and-a-half stationed aboard. He was not only a shipmate and big brother to the crew but was like a guardian angel. Indeed, one of Horne’s final actions was to pull a fellow crewmember out of the way before the smuggling vessel collided with the Coast Guard small boat.

The playing of taps and a three-round volley fired by the honor guard concluded the ceremony while Jayhawk, Dolphin and Hercules aircrews performed a flyover.

Horne was posthumously advanced to the rank of senior chief petty officer and his family was presented the Coast Guard Medal. He is survived by his wife, Rachel, and sons, Kade and Miller.

Blessings to Petty Officer Horne’s family. He obviously was a man of great valor and courage, as can be seen in his actions during the last moments of his life. Rest in Peace, sir.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=106000616 Andrew Klein

Recently spent some time with a non-profit veteran’s group doing disaster relief work in NY. To quote a Marine Corps veterans “The Coast Guard doesn’t take casualties”. A few weeks later, we suffer the loss of BMCS Horne. Incredibly sad.

http://www.facebook.com/people/Honey-Elovitz/1159603566 Honey Elovitz

I am so saddened by this loss

Eric

It would be appropriate to name the next FRC for BMC Horne. Fair winds and following seas.

http://www.facebook.com/linda.c.jones.125 Linda C. Jones

Sad day for the USCG. He will be missed!

http://www.facebook.com/vince.patton3 Vince Patton

Glad to see he was posthumously advanced to senior chief!

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1657614043 Otho Nogo

The loss is so great when young service personnel die in the line of duty. Each of us owes a debt to CPO Terrell Horne III and all others.

Anonymous

Sad day… But a great tribute!

Anonymous

My son is due to become a Chief Petty Officer in the Coast Guard just after the first of the year. These Men and Women put their lives on the line each and every day. My daughter in-law just took the test for 1st class PO. Wife and I are very proud of both of them!! I pray that The God Almighty be with the family of Senior Chief Horne.

Mollie Brown

I wish to offer my sincere condolences for the loss of this extraordinary young man, father, husband, Coast Guard Warrior. Thanks for all that the Coast Guard does.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1462836346 Dave Tipple

From a UK Submariner to a fellow Mariner, Stand down, and rest your oars, you have stood your watch, and thank you.

Stacy Vaughn

Thank you for all you did for our country BMC Horne! We appreciate it tremendously and wish the family well. Love a fellow Coastie wife!

Tasha Tully

I’m very sorry for the loss of a an exceptional human being and Coast Guard member. I served with Terrell aboard the Dallas in 2008 and have photos that I would like to send the family. Please post or email me with an address or email address and I would gladly pass them along. I’m very sorry.

Lisa O

My son worked with Terrell. He said he was a wonderful and kind person. He will be greatly missed by all that loved and knew him. You Coasties do a great service for us, thank you. My condolensces to his family. May he rest in peace.

Jamie Wilson

Whether in the Coast Guard or in the Navy a Chief is a Chief. I do not know BMC Horne, but in my eyes he epitomized what it means to be a Chief Petty Officer. He gave his last full measure of devotion to protect the life of another. “Greater love hath no man than to lay down his life for a friend.” Be at peace Senior Chief Horne, we have the watch.

http://www.facebook.com/michellenovak22 Michelle Novak

Tasha, thank you so much. I am Terrell’s aunt and if you connect with me via facebook I will give you my personal email address and get the photos to his immediate family. I know they will be so grateful, as am I. He was an amazing soul and we are so blessed to have been given the chance to love him.

Brandi

Hi Tasha! Im Brandi Kemper, Terrell’s siter. We would love to see your photos . My email is . Thank YOU! Will communicate with you one on one via email. Bles you, Brandi

Brandi

Hey Michelle! Did you receive the photos from Tasha? Lv, B.

brianjconway

Farewell and BZ Senior Chief. R. I. P.

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